A Stirling engine in a teacup

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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

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August 12th, 2007 6

This attractive cup-perched craft project is actually a working papercraft model of a Stirling engine being sold by a Germany science novelty catalog. Sitting on your tea or coffee cup, the heat (or cold) from within will power the engine for up to an hour. The kit costs EUR21.90 (around US$30).